Shiftable closing means for automobiles



Sept. 29, 1925. 1,555,540

I L. w. v. WILMS 5HIFTABLE CLOSING MEANS FOR AUTOMOBILES Filed oct, 1a, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 fmr/eflfor Leela a WZZIWS Sept. 29, 1925. 1,555,540

L. W. V. WILMS SHIFT-ABLE CLOSING MEANS FOR AUTOMOBILE Filed Oct, 18, 1923 2 Sheets Sheet 2 v zed/ 4:40am; a? v? "UNITED STATES Patented. Sept. 29, 1 925 A ENroF Lnn'w. v. WILLIS, or CHICAGO, Ira-more.v

SHH'TABLE CLOSING HEARS 1'03, AUTOMOBILES.

Application filed October 18,1998. Serial No. 669,188.

To all whom it may concern:

1 Be it known that I, LEE W. v. want, a citizen of the United States, resident of Chicago, county of Book and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shiftable Closing Means for Automobiles, described and. claimed in the annexed specification.

This invention relates generally to automobiles, but particularly to that type thereof having permanent'or fixed tops, and is-directed especially to novel and improved means or mechanism whereby a vehicle top may be readily and effectively converted from a closed to an'open one, orvice versa, or more definitely speaking, whereby the walls of a vehicle top may be closed against the elements, or easily opened to afford unobstructed vision, ventilation and comfort to the occupants of thevehicle.

The invention is applicable to various types of vehicle or'automobile tops without a departure from the spirit of the invention, and while Ihave illustrated it in the ac-- companying drawing embodied in f a well known type of automobiles, yet I wish itto be understood that such illustration and the following description and explanation is by way of an example only, and that I do not. limit myself in the application or use of the inventiomto any particular type of vehicle or top therefor, but may employ it wherever it may befound applicable or desirable.

The primary or principal J object of the invention, is, the provision of means for con verting an open top of an-automobile intoa closed body, or vice versa.

Another object is to furnish a vehicle or automobile top with shiftable closing panels or frames for openings in the walls of the body of the vehicle and so movably mount them that a plurality of such frames-or panels can be manipulated as a unit, and positioned vertically and so-maintained, to form a closure for the major and front part .of each side of thebody of the top, or as a unit,-,can beoperated, raised and positioned close to thelower surface of the top or canopy, in which position they Will be auto matically locked and securely maintained,"

yet, in such a way that they can be readily released and shifted to their upright or closing position. 1'

Still another object, is, the provision in the rear portion of each side of the body of the top with a laterally' s'hiftable closing panel or frame for an opening in each ofsaid sides, of such construction andarrange-:

lowing description and explanation, which will be-m0re readily understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying. drawings, in which one embodiment of which the invention, is susceptible, is disclosed, it being understood that changes and' modifications may be" resorted to without a departure from the spirit of the appended claims forming apart hereof. i

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a'view in side elevation of a fragment of an automoblie body e nipped with my shiftable closing means -t erefor showing the panels 'or sashes of said means in their upright or closed positions.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional 'view taken on'line 2-2 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows, but showing the pane of glass of one of the panels posi-- tioned for ventilation at the upper portion of saidpanel, and illustrating by dotted panel's may be raised as a unit and maintained in such position.

lines the position to which a plurality of Fig. 3 is an inner fragmental view of the top taken on line 3-3 of Fig.2 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view in elevation, taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1 showing the means for securing one of the hinged panels or frames to the top. 7

Fig. 5'is a sectional view taLen on line 5-5, of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section of a portion of one of the supporting arms and its bracket for one of the unitary frames of. the top showing means for slidably connecting said arm to its bracket but so as .to-prevent rattling.

Fig. .7 is an enlarged vertical sectional ioo one ofthe doors view taken on line 7 7'of Fig. 3 of the nated as a .whole usual .or any well known manner.

side of the bod' 13 is provided inits-major up r portion of one of the doors of the y o the top showing means for closing the openinglin the up r' end thereof when the panel t ere-above as been moved to an openpositio'n.

Fig. 8' is a Fp an sectional view taken on line 88 of- 1g; orally shiftable panels or frames in the rear portion of a side of the body, 'in' open posi .tion, and

' 1? and frontportion with a horizontally elonlatter view owing 'panel-ll being gated substantially rectangular opening. 14, which nings extend from near the lower edges 0 each side of the top or canopy to a pgmt at the top of the doors 15 of the body.

"each of these openings '14 islocated a.

. master or main frame desi ated as a whole byv the numeral 16 for a p urality of panels or frames located side by side as is clearly shown in F 1'and 9 of the drawings,-thethe ofone ofsaid frames but withrhe arielsomitted. As each side of-the bodyo the vehicle or automobile is equip with devices of in construction an 'o ration, a description and explanation of e mechanism' on one side thereof only will be 11. i

As shown in '1 and 9, the frame 16 is provided with compartments for three panels located side by side, the intermediate glass 18 and conpermanently or mgr y nected to the frame 16, .while the panel 19 at the front end of the frame 16 is hinged at i front upright portion to the; front up-- right rtion 20 so as to open forwardly of the vdficle, while the panel '21 at the rear. endoftheframe16is rtion to the rear upright portion and 21 respectively, are open at their lower ends as is clearlyshown in Fig.9, for the purpose of the pane of glass 18 WlJlCh each of said frames or panels has mounted therein for slidable vertical move-f ment to extend downwardly into the cavity of the door located directly beneath each of said panels, when ventilation at the upper art of the master frame 16 is desired. The

V ower horizontal rail 24 of each of the panels 1 showing one of the latthe body designneral 13 in the" equipped with a ane of,

hinged at its front 7 panel 17, so as to'open forv horizontal 'end of the door-15 located below.

the panel, and each of said horizontal rails 24 has secured to each'of its sides and longitudinally thereon, strips 27 preferably of 1g. 2, to register.

metal, which strips depend at their lower edges a sufiicient distance to embrace the upper portions of the opposite sides of the door, thereby connecting said sashes to their respective doors 'in a way toexclude dust, rfiin, (and the like ulrlhen the panel: arzh teir osedor'u t 'tions,ye so a the can'be deta dh fl wi desired. R o

e structurejust above referred to is clearly shown'in Fig.2, by reference to which view it will be seen-that the upperportion of each door has mounted thereon a stri 28 of felt, rubber or the lilreto afford a 0 'ion seat orJ'estfor the panel above said door, which strip is provided with a longitudinal slit to co-mcide the slot in thelower rail of the panel or frame so that the .pane 'of glam ban slide through the same, This arrangement is also disclosed in Fig. 4, in which new means for locking the panel located above each door to the door, is shown, This locking means consists in roviding the upright rail of. each pane or frame 19 and 21; opposite its hinged upright rail or portion, in. its face, at its lower end,

with a vertical slot 29, which slot has.an enlargement 30 at its upper end to receive a head 31 on a locking arm .32, which is mounted at its lower end on a transverse pivot 33- secured in -the sides of the slot 29. -At its lower -end theslot 29 is provided with arms or deepened portion 34, in which is located and secured by means of a screw 35 or otherwise, aspring comprising a pair of arms 36 and 37 extended outwardly to cooperate with the arm 32 for holding it in its closed positions. The'co ndmg edge or face of the door15under the panel or frame, is provided with a'slot 36 of the same construction as' the slot 29, except that 'the deepened rtion 34a is omitted.- This slot 36is in. a 'gnment with the slot 29 so that by turning the arm 32 downwardly on its pivot, the head 31 of said arm will enthe enlarged portion ofthe slot 36 thus unite the'door and panel thereabove in a way that'said parts can be moved in unison. .In turning the arm 32 in either direction, it is apparent that the arm of the spring with which the pivoted end of the'ann contacts, will yield sufliciently to permit pivotal movement of said arm until it lies'within the slot therefor, when 'it is obvious that the two arms of the said spring will co-act with the'locking arm 32 so as to prevent its accidental jmovement. The en- Ill gaged by the finger or an instrument inserted in the extension of the enlarged portion of the slot 29 for the purpose of turning the locking arm on its pivot.

. Referring again to Figs. 1 and2, it will be seen and understood that the canopy 12 is provided in its lower surface at ea'c of its side edges, with a series of spaced recesses 39, each for the reception and operation of an extension 40 on each of the supporting arms 41 employed for slidable and pivotal connection with upright portions or rails of the main or master frame for a plurality of panels. Each of the arms 41 is pivotally mounted near one'of its ends on a bracket 42 secured to the lower surface of the canopy at one side of each of the recesses therein. Each of these arms has extended from its pivoted portion a foot 43 which is adapted for engagement with a beveled portion 44 on the upper outer part of the top rail of the main or master frame 16 for the purpose of assisting in holding said frame and its panels in the elevated position shown by dotted lines in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The extension 40 of each lever has connected thereto one end of a spiral spring 45 the eliminated.

other end of which is connected to a part of the canopy at the lower end of the recess 39 therein. Each of the supporting arms 41 normally depends from its pivot and 1s pivotally connected at its lower end to a pair of apertured spaced lugs or cars 46 extended from a sleeve 47 which is slidably mounted on a bracket or rod 48 secured to one f the upright rails or portions of the mam or master frame for the panels.

In order to prevent vibration of the sleeve 26 on the rod or bracket 48, each end of the.

sleeve 47 is reduced andscrew-threaded to engage a cup+shaped nut 49 which loosely surround the rod or bracket-and each of i which has located therein a ring 50 of rubber or other suitable cushioning material to lie between the end of each reduced portion and the outer end of the nut thereon, by which means it is apparent the rattling of the parts will be In Fig. 1 Ihave shown by dotted lines three supporting arms 41 pivoted at their upperends on the canopy as clearly shown in Fig. 2, but it is manifest that two such arms, one at the front end of the master frame and the other at the rear end thereof, may be all that is required. In order to assist in holding the master frame 16 and the panels or frames which it carries, in its elevated position as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 2, a catch member 51 pivoted atits ,upperportion to the lower surface of the canopy at about its longitudinal medial line,

is employed to engage the inner edge of said frame orthe' eorresponding edge of one of prevented and noise 7 tion.

is provided near its upper end on one of its sides with an extension 52 between'which and the canopy is located a spring 53 to actuate the member 51 in. the direction of the master frame. To prevent the springvexerting too much tension on the extension 52 and thereby causing the catch member to be positioned in the path of the master frame an arm'54 extended from the opposite side of the member 51 from that on which the extension 52 is located, is employed to contact with the canopy and act as a stop for said catch member. Each'of the sleeves 47 is by preference provided with a longitudiQ nal slot-55 located between its lugs 46 to permit of sufficient resiliency to allow. the lugs to be clamped more or less-tightly on the lower end of the supporting arm 41 which is desirable in order to prevent too free pivotal movement of said arms;

In Fig. 7 is shown 1n vertical section a portion of the upper part ofone of the doors '7 15 of the body and means for temporarilyv closingthe slot in its upper end when the panel above the same is removed, which consists in employing a strip of rubber 56 hav- .ing on its lower portion a cross-sectionally angular extension or enlargement 57, which enlargement can be forced into the slot 26. when it is desired to close the same and readily removed therefrom on account of the resiliency of the said strip.

As before stated, 'the'lower horizontal rail 24 of each of the sashes or panels 19 and 21 is provided with a longitudinal slot 25 through which its pane 18 may pass downwardly .into the cavity of the door beneath said panel. To enable each pane of each of said panels to be lowered'without danger of breaking the same, afflexible member such as a ribbon'or cord 58'of suitable; material, is fixed at one of its ends in the slot of the rail 24 and is extended under the loweredge "of the pane 18 and has its other end conne.ted to a drum 59 mounted on the shaft of a. crank handle 60, which shaft is journaled in the upper portion of one of the clamping strips-27 carried by the lower rail of the panel. By this arrangement it is apparent that by turning the crank handle 60 in the proper direction, the 'pane 18 can'be raised or lowered as desired and maintained in such position said shaft.

In Fig.8 is shown a plan sectional view taken on line 88 of Fig. 1 of a part of the rear portion of the body 13 and the means for shiftably mounting a panel in said por- As shown, the body 13 is provided with a rectangular opening 61 tothe front wall of-which is securedby means of hinges 62 the front upright 63 of a rectangular frame '64 to the rear upright 65 of which is by the frictional action of the hinged the rear upright ofa sash .framelor' the panels thereof. This catch member 51 panel 66 which is provided with a pane of glass 67 therein, This sash or panel is v of a sizeto fit closely said sleeve on said rod atany desired point.

' The loweriail of the frame 64'l1a's pivotally secured thereto near its rear end another link 74, the other endof which link is pivotally secured to a sleeve 71 slidably mount ed on a bracketrod- 72 longitudinally secured to the inner surface of, the body 13 at the lower horizontal wall. of the therein. The last -named s'lee rrangement it is manifest that the of the shiftable closure may be-disposed in the that ventilation through the frontpart as well as the rear part thereof, will' be.fat-

tamed. If it. is defired to close the'sash or.

7 panel 66 while the frame 64 is in. thetpo'sition shown in; said figure, it is manifest that g by sliding the sleeve 71 on the'rod- 72st the front portionbf the frame 64, the said sash or panel will be podtioned so as to close the olpening in the frame 64, in which 'tion t e h or panel can be maintained by tightening the set screw 73 on the last named. rod. The manner of closing the opening 61 is so obvious from'the drawing-as require 1 110 explanation.

' the dra Fromthe forego' I and by t0 it will that assuming the master panel or frame i .16 and the; plurality of panels or frames which it carries to be'in the positions shown in Figs, 1 and .2 by. continuous lines, and it necessary to press the e master frame.1;6 outbottom: thereof, wllnch operation-wall be master its fronttportionfur ther outwardly,

v v the occupants of the automobileflafter which the 'master. frame-and its panels can be elevated to the 3 position shown b dotted lines'in Fig. 2; in

v which position t opening 61. ve -71 is, equipped with a set screw 73 for the same purpose as just above explained. Bythis a *ing a' wall-provided with an'e fitting in and shiftably operable for inward readily understood fra horizontal] "door w'a s b bein desired-to open the front portion of th 4 the fiody it is on'l 1 upper. portion of h ,wardly untilit'is disengaged from; the walls of the opening 14,1especia1ly at theitop and Porting it 1s apparent that itcan-fl be slid still further outwardly of the. body 'on the bracket rods 48 to;

v an extent as not to materlallymterfere with master frame so as to prevent lateral catch member from the frame 16, when by lowerin said frame and reversin the operation ereof just above descn d, it is manifest that it can be placed vertically in the opening 14jof the wall of the vehicle, when the strips 27 will embrace.- the upper portion'ofthe door under. each of the hinged panels and the upper artof theframe 16 will'rest against a stop strip 74 horizontally secured to the inner surface of the side edge of the canopy. When the rts are thus positioned,' it s manifest t at either of the doors 15 may be turneilon its hinges to an O a Iyconnectedto the .panelor frame directly above each, the frame or panel v19.or

what I claim as new Letters Patent is 1. In a vehicle body anddesire to secure by and top therefor hav- I the combination with a master frame n' position and that, as they are detach-- -21'w1ll also be'turnedtoan o 11 position.

: Having thus fully described my invention, positions shown in Fig; 8, when it is obvious ongated-open' j and outward movements with res to said opening, a hinged panel in'said ame, sup

porting means for said master frame. com- 1 prisin an jelongated member mounted at" one 0 its ends on 'the to for pivotal move} ment and having at sai end an extension toengage the upper portion of the master frame after the latter hasbeen raised to a substantially horizontal position and pivot-- ally connected at its otherend to the master ing a wall providedwith 'door-ways-anda ut in communication therewith, e com ination with hinged doors'to close 2. In a vehicle body and top' therefor 'hav- H elongated opening above said no 1. said ways, of a master frame fitting in and a shiftably operable for inward andoutward movements with respect to said openin and said master framecomprism a plurality of depending arms mounted'at t eir upper ends 3 a lurality of panels, a. hinged me ineac 0 said panels, su permitted by, reason of the. pivotal connec tion' at the lower ends of the-sup arms, 41 "with the sleeve1g47 on the frame, Now, by lifting'the said frame. slightly and turning porting means for i -on said to .for lateral pivotal movement, i

horizontall 'elongated'opening above said door-wa s utin communicationtherewith,.

master frame fitting inand shifta ly operablefor inward and outward movements the com ination withdoorfs eachhinged at a one *of its sidesfto close'said wa s, of a I slidably connecting the lower ends of said arms to said master frame.

4. In a vehicle body and top therefor ;having a wall provided with a horizontally elongated opening, the combination with a master frame fitting in and shiftably operable for inward and outward movements with respect to said opening and having a plurality of panels located side by side, frames hinged at one of their sides in some ,of said panels, supporting means for said.

master frame comprlslng a plurality of depending arms mounted at their upper ends on said top for lateral pivotal movement, each of said arms having a foot extended from the pivoted ,portion of the arm for the purpose of engaging the upper portion of the master frame after the latter has been raised to a substantially horizontal position, and means pivotally and slidably connecting the lower ends of said arms to said master frame.

5. In a vehicle body and top therefor having a wall provided with door-ways and a horizontally elongated opening above said door-ways but in communication therewith, the combination with doors each hinged at -one of its sides to close said ways, of a i master framfe fitting and shiftably operable in said opening and having a plurality of panels, some of which areopen at their lower ends, a frame hinged'at one ,of its sides in each of ,therpanels having the said open ends, sup-porting means for said master frame comprlsing a plurality of depending arms mounted at their upper ends onsaid top for lateral pivotal \movement,'and each provided with a foot extended downwardly and outwardly from its pivoted portion and 'tion, means pivotally an adapted for engagement with the upper portion of themaster frame when the same is shifted to a substantiall horizontal posislidably connect ing the lower ends of" said arms to said master frame, and a spring-actuated catch member mounted on the canopy of the top to engage one end of the master frame when raised.

6. In a vehicle body and'top therefor having a wall provided with door-ways and a horizontally elongated opening above said door-ways but in communication therewith, the" combination with doors each hinged at one of its sides to close said ways, each ofsaid doors having a cavity open through the upper end thereof, of a master frame fitting and shiftably operable in said opening and having a plurality of panels, each of the panels above eachdoor being open at I its lower end, a frame hinged at one of its sides in each of the panels having the said open ends, each of said hinged frames hav- 1ng a slot through its lower horizontal rail and provided with a pane of glass mounted for slidable movement through said 'slot into the cavity of the door thereunder, supporting means for said master frame comprising a plurality of depending arms mounted at their upper ends on said top for lateral pivotal movement and each provided with a foot extended downwardly and outwardly from its pivoted portion and adapted for engagement with the" adjacent ortion of the master frame when the same is shifted to a substantially horizontal position, means slidably and pivotally connecting the lower end of each of said arms to said master frame, and means on the canopy of the top to automatically engage the adjacent portion of the master frame when the r I same is raised.

LEE" w. v. WILMSL" 

